KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has stepped up efforts to attract more foreign direct investment, with a high-level delegation of Chinese investors arriving in the country to explore opportunities in strategic sectors. The visit was coordinated by Uganda’s Embassy in Beijing under the leadership of Ambassador Oliver Wonekha, as part of government’s broader agenda to boost trade and industrial development.
The engagement comes shortly after the Annual Ambassadors’ Retreat in Gulu, where Ugandan envoys reaffirmed their role in positioning the country as a competitive investment destination. The Beijing mission has been instrumental in courting Chinese enterprises keen on tapping into Uganda’s economic growth potential.
SECTORS OPEN FOR INVESTMENT
Representing the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Mr. Peter Muramira outlined priority sectors for investment, including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, infrastructure, and industrial park development. He also pointed to Uganda’s growing interest in renewable energy projects such as bamboo plantations and processing, coupled with training and scholarship opportunities aimed at skilling the local workforce.
While acknowledging the trade imbalance with China, Mr. Muramira highlighted progress, noting that Uganda’s exports to China rose by 127% between February 2024 and February 2025. This, he said, demonstrates the country’s expanding export potential and commitment to diversifying trade.
CHINA’S GROWING ROLE
The Chinese business delegation was led by Mr. Diao Chunhe, Chairman of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities. He praised Uganda’s investment climate, pointing to its recognition as “Best Investment Destination in Africa 2024” and a record \$3.034 billion in foreign direct investment during the last financial year.
Mr. Diao cited flagship projects such as the Karuma Hydropower Plant, Buikwe Water Supply Project, and backbone communication networks as proof of the tangible benefits of Uganda–China cooperation. He stressed the need for industrial collaboration grounded in social responsibility and mutual benefit.
STRENGTHENING BILATERAL RELATIONS
Mr. Wang Jianxun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, commended the progress achieved and reaffirmed China’s readiness to encourage responsible investments. He also emphasized the historic partnership between the two countries, dating back to 1962.
Uganda, for its part, remains focused on Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritize agriculture, energy, industrialization, and digital transformation. By fostering a stable and welcoming investment environment, government hopes to drive job creation, technology transfer, and long-term sustainable growth.
This latest engagement reflects not only the resilience of Uganda–China relations but also a shared commitment to building partnerships that deliver concrete economic and social outcomes for both nations.
